Argentina XI vs Algeria: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for World Cup today | OneFootball

Lionel Messi has struggled with a hamstring injury in build-up to title defence

Lionel Messi is expected to start for Argentina in their World Cup opener against Algeria tonight.

Messi’s place at a sixth finals had initially been subject to question in the weeks leading up to the tournament as he struggled with a hamstring strain suffered on club duty for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).

However, Argentina’s inspirational captain, who will turn 39 next week, was named in head coach Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man squad for what will surely be his final World Cup and likely international swansong.

It remained to be seen if Messi would be fit enough to start on Tuesday as the holders begin their title defence against Algeria in the Group J curtain-raiser in Kansas City.

Scaloni confirmed on the eve of the match that the “monumental” Messi is now fully fit, with reports in Argentina that he is in line to start at Arrowhead Stadium.

He should be joined in attack by Julian Alvarez, with the Atletico Madrid striker available for selection having shaken off an ankle problem.

Alvarez faces competition for his place from the likes of Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez, with Atletico Madrid team-mate Thiago Almada also vying for a role.

Ready to go: Lionel Messi has recovered from his hamstring injury to lead Argentina at the World Cup

PA

Emiliano Martinez has also recovered from a fractured ring finger sustained in the warm-up before Aston Villa’s Europa League final victory over Freiburg last month and will continue as Argentina’s first-choice goalkeeper, ahead of Juan Musso and Geronimo Rulli.

“Everyone wants to see Messi inside the field, playing. He excited everyone, not just Argentines,” Scaloni said on Monday.

“From my part, it'll always be like that. I don't see anything negative. He's been in different conditions and has always been here. He's always been monumental for us, and now he will be even more. I see him well.

Argentina’s only concern is at left-back, where regular Nicolas Tagliafico has been monitored following a knock. If he is not ready, then Facundo Medina seems likely to step in.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is expected to start against Algeria following a hamstring injury, with Nicolas Otamendi and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez competing to be his centre-back partner. Nahuel Molina is a familiar presence at right-back.

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister should be paired in midfield, with Rodrigo De Paul and Almada likely to complete the XI.

Argentina are missing Marseille centre-back Leonardo Balerdi, who suffered a muscle tear in training last week that has ruled him out for the tournament, with new Tottenham signing Marcos Senesi named as his replacement.